One night in Annapolis

Lots of good places across the draw bridge into Eastport, especially along the water. More on the pricey side, though. Choose Lewnes' over Ruth Chris for a steak place.
 
I’ve been thinking about this. So many options. I live here, and we enjoy all the wonderful places to eat, the unique spots, the historic spots, the hidden spots, the off-beaten-track spots, etc.

Given the time window, I would head straight to either ChartHouse or Severn Inn, park myself in the bar area and soak up the Annapolis Harbor or Severn River view, eat top-quality bar food and enjoy the summer waterfront vibe.

www.chart-house.com

Chart House | Seafood Restaurant With The Perfect View

Chart House Seafood Restaurants feature unique cuisine and dazzling waterfront views. Visit one of our twenty-six locations across the US.
www.chart-house.com www.chart-house.com
The restaurant actually sits out over the water in a building where WWII PT boats were built. Expansive harbor view, including USNA.

On the Severn, directly across from USNA.

For a locals’ fave vibe for classic been-there-forever Chesapeake Bay crab deck place (bibs, brown paper/newspaper on the table, hot soft-shell crabs dumped out and you are handed your tools), where you can be on the water, eating crab dip, crab cakes, crab soup, etc., plus Maryland fried chicken and other mains, in a very relaxed setting outside on the deck or inside, with a family feel, I’d go to Mike’s on the South River. You drive right down Riva Road off West St. In Annapolis, go over the South River Bridge, take an immediate left. Just a few minutes’ drive. Cantler’s is another classic, on the Magothy River. And Donnelly’s on Deep Creek. There are some others, The Point, etc., but all stay in business because they offer superb crab, non-seafood mains, waterfront setting, relaxed casual setting, and are residents’ local favorites.


Mike's Restaurant & Crabhouse - Home

Welcome to Mike's Restaurant & Crabhouse! We are located at 3030 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140. Our phone number is 410-956-2784. We look forward to seeing you soon!
www.mikescrabhouse.com www.mikescrabhouse.com

Cantlers

cantlers.com cantlers.com

Donnelly's Dockside

www.donnellysdockside.com www.donnellysdockside.com
 
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Yeah, Mike's and Cantler's are staples for the area. Been around forever and consistent in their delivery of great crabs/seafood. Sitting out at the wood park tables covered in brown paper, crab shells flying everywhere, and crusty seasoning covered pint glasses are a strong memory that will last a lifetime!
 
Galway Bay is underrated, they know how to make a mixed drink, great whiskey selection, not as many beers as some pubs but the ones they have I believe would meet all beer lovers expectations. They often have room when other restaurants downtown do not. We had brunch their with bloody Mary's and fried oysters then a nice walk to football stadium for home game one memorable autumn day.
 
IronmanDaremo said:
Yeah, Mike's and Cantler's are staples for the area. Been around forever and consistent in their delivery of great crabs/seafood. Sitting out at the wood park tables covered in brown paper, crab shells flying everywhere, and crusty seasoning covered pint glasses are a strong memory that will last a lifetime!
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Even if you’re eating the fried chicken basket with Old Bay fries, it’s fun watching the experienced folks and newbies battle the whole crabs. When I worked for USAA, and we had a team come out from San Antonio for various events, I’d always set up a team dinner at Mike’s. For those who had never traveled outside SAT, the large trees, lush greenery, expanse of water (compared to the enjoyable but a tad smaller Riverwalk area in SAT) and the whole crab thing - they had a great time.
 
For Galway Bay, it's probably because they are "slightly" off the beaten path. Locals know about it, and my family has been going there since it opened. But a lot of people don't stumble down from the circle to get there.
 
Wait! Mike’s??? Now you tell me. Where was that reco when I was visiting DD a few times annually for four years? Now I need to make a special trip just to check it out.

Oh well…I think we still had one more tuition payment to make at the Mid Store anyway. Naptown here we come. 🤣😉😁
 
MidCakePa said:
Wait! Mike’s??? Now you tell me. Where was that reco when I was visiting DD a few times annually for four years? Now I need to make a special trip just to check it out.

Oh well…I think we still had one more tuition payment to make at the Mid Store anyway. Naptown here we come. 🤣😉😁
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I’ve been posting here so long my repeat posts have barnacles on them. I am ages overdue on updating the where-to-eat restaurant thread I built years ago. Maybe on my upcoming jury duty waiting room week!

I know I have posted about Mike’s before, and similar. Been around since 1958 and feels like it. It’s a Bay crab joint through and through. Plastic coated menus. People sweeping up crab shells. If you’re in luck, a waitress calls you “hon.” Nothing fancy. But on a summer evening, at a rough table outside on the water, evening sun, watching boats puttering home, with friends or family…
 
Go up West street or Forest Drive. Turn left onto Riva Rd. Follow that past the Board of Ed. and the high school (go Panthers!) until you cross the bridge. Hard left into the parking area and past the restaurant/building that's changed about 20 times since we first moved to the area in '83. Mike's is right behind it.
 
Another place on the South River, on MD Rte 2 a few minutes south of Annapolis, is Yellowfin, more upscale than a crab deck but a good seafood and non-fish menu. I’ve been there many a time when it looks like this on the South River:

IMG_5757.jpeg
 
Capt MJ said:
I’ve been posting here so long my repeat posts have barnacles on them. I am ages overdue on updating the where-to-eat restaurant thread I built years ago. Maybe on my upcoming jury duty waiting room week!

I know I have posted about Mike’s before, and similar. Been around since 1958 and feels like it. It’s a Bay crab joint through and through. Plastic coated menus. People sweeping up crab shells. If you’re in luck, a waitress calls you “hon.” Nothing fancy. But on a summer evening, at a rough table outside on the water, evening sun, watching boats puttering home, with friends or family…
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You chatted with us about Mikes. But, actually, I am recalling that it was the restaurant right next to it, and we ended up at Mikes? It was when we were trying to find a GOOD crab dip, one last time. Anyhow, we waited (its busy!!), took the first seats indoors, and LOVED our food. Saw crabs all over the place (we aren’t fans of the whole crab….more a ‘king crab legs’ kinda fam), but didn't have those. But you could see it is the thing to do…roll up and order buckets. We were NOT disappointed in our menu items. And REALLY good crab dip. As recommended by Capt MJ a year ago.IMG_1450.jpeg
 
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Cantler's but it's a bit of a drive / ride. It's a very different ambiance from most restaurants and, if you sit outside, can be really hot / humid at lunch. Inside is a bit "dingy" (as in dark). If you want to eat whole crabs, it's perfect -- I usually get at least a dozen. That can be pricey, depending on the season. If you're "just" going to get crab cakes, crab dip, crab sandwich, etc., I would go elsewhere. Not that these items aren't great at Cantler's (they are), but IMHO, that's not why you go there. You go to crack (and eat) crabs!
 
I’m headed east next month to help DD move to her next assignment. Wonder if I can talk her into a detour to visit Mike’s. I have a feeling she’d approve. This is the Marine, after all, whose TBS classmates voted her “most likely to visit Annapolis” during her free time. 🤭
 
MidCakePa said:
I’m headed east next month to help DD move to her next assignment. Wonder if I can talk her into a detour to visit Mike’s. I have a feeling she’d approve. This is the Marine, after all, whose TBS classmates voted her “most likely to visit Annapolis” during her free time. 🤭
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She needs some Marine red-tinged Mid Store attire.

Apologies to OP for thread unravel. Let us know where you go!
 
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Last year, we visited USNA over spring break for DS after he expressed an interest. Our thought was to spend a few days, let him see what it’s about, and get it crossed off the list, so we wouldn’t waste our time. Did just the opposite…fired him up even more. Lol. Went back for NASS last week. So we’ve been there twice now, so I’m hardly an expert, but I wanted to contribute. We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn on West Street and spent all of our time on Main St trying different places. Turned out one of our favorites was right across the street. We really enjoyed the Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge. Liked Lemongrass too which was right next to that. No one had mentioned Metropolitan, so I thought I’d weigh in.
 
Spent April dog-sitting in Annapolis for a chance to see my kid. Our daughter flew out for a weekend and we did the DTA, DC things. During the month, I spent tons of time and some cash trying many of the places @CaptMJ has suggested.

Iron Rooster is very dependable for great coffee and breakfast, haven't tried other meals there. I like O'Brien's for a glass of wine and appetizers. DS and DD went bar hopping and landed at McGarvey's. It was packed, fired up, happy bar crowd full of mids. They had a blast.

DS and friends love the Fox's Den for the brussel sprout apps (yes, seriously divine) and the Fig and Pig pizza. I was hesitant to both, I'm addicted now. Reservations recommended.

Chart House recently changed their business model and menu, they only kept a handful of original items. Went for happy hour, but they had just changed the policy so we missed it. Bit the bullet and went all in for steaks, lobster, table-side cocktails, and stellar desserts. Worth it. The service and view were perfect. I went back on a Wednesday evening for happy hour and had great crab cakes and wine. Also worth it.

DS and I had lunch at Reynold's Tavern, ate downstairs in the pub, they do a full afternoon tea service on the main floor, but they were booked. The French onion soup was excellent. Local breweries have beers on tap that change seasonally. Fun, historical place.

We live a few miles from Mexico so I'm hesitant to eat Mexican food anywhere else. DS insisted on going to Senor Chile's in Arnold (quick Uber over the bridge) and I was blown away. Excellent, authentic regional Mexican food from the Yucatan and Northern Mexico. It was really great, and huge shareable portions.

Took DS's sponsor parents to dinner at Luna Blu in DTA, it was excellent. Huge portions of sublime Italian food. Need reservations for evenings.
 
We want to try the new Italian place right at the end of Main Street on Church Circle (Acqua Al 2). My wife saw the sign when it wasn't yet opened and wondered if the place was related to the one that she had gone to in Italy years ago. Turns out, it is!

Osteria is really yummy as well. Went there for a birthday dinner with the wife about 8 or 9 years ago. Can't believe that location used to be a Burger King. 🤣
 
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